prominent / most prevalent disease associated with the digestive system in the United States

 One of the most prevalent disease associated with the digestive system in the United States is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach. This backwash can irritate the lining of the esophagus.

The major cause of GERD is the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES}, which is a ring of muscle at the end of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. When the LES functions properly, it closes as soon as food passes through it, preventing stomach contents from moving up back into the esophagus. However, if the Les is weak or relaxes inappropriately, acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing GERD symptoms which includes:

Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating, which might be worst at night.

Chest pain

Difficulty swallowing

Regurgitation of food or sour liquid 

The sensation of a lump in your throat

The most direct cause of GERD is the dysfunction of the LES. various factors can contribute to this dysfunction, such as certain foods and beverages (for example, fatty or fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol), medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers). or smoking. Others are obesity, smoking, connective tissue disorders, delayed stomach emptying, eating habits (large meals or eating late at night), pregnancy, and hiatal hernia.

While lifestyle changes and medication are the first line of treatment, there are additional options for those with severe GERD or when the initial treatments are ineffective which include: 

Proton Pump Inhibitors PPLs) are usually considered the most effective class of medication for reducing stomach acid.

surgery: surgical options might be considered for those with severe, intractable GERD, or for those who prefer surgery to long term medication.

Endoscopic procedures: various endoscopic techniques can be used to tighten the LES or create barrier to prevent backflow of stomach content.

Wearing loose-fitting clothes to avoid pressure on the abdomen. 

Elevating the head of the bed by six to eight inches to help keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while sleeping.

Reference:

http://www.mayoclinic.org>gerd>cause>symptoms>treatmentLinks to an external site.

http://www.clevelandclinic.org>acidreflux>gerdLinks to an external site.

Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are very common, affecting 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population, which is almost 25 million people. About a quarter of the nearly 1 million people diagnosed with gallstones each year will need to be treated.

Cause: Gallstones are formed when bile components (cholesterol, bilirubin) crystallize and accumulate in the gallbladder, blocking bile flow.

Symptoms: Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. But if a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include:

• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone
• Back pain between your shoulder blades
• Pain in your right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting

Treatment: Treatment for gallstones depends on whether symptoms are present and the severity of the condition. In cases where gallstones are small and asymptomatic, no treatment may be necessary, as these stones can pass through the body without causing complications. But most people who get gallstones that block their bile ducts and cause symptoms have their gallbladders taken out (cholecystectomy surgery) . 

References:

https://youtu.be/_kLqv8BFlrI?si=cpvShYb-VtHbKyWgLinks to an external site.

diseases-conditions-gallstonesLinks to an external site.

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gallstonesLinks to an external site.